Published : March 16, 2025Want to call someone, but they have enabled DND Mode? It can be very difficult to contact someone using DND mode. However, you can bypass the feature by using some tricks and methods. If you’re wondering how to call someone on DND, this blog is for you.
We will cover DND Mode, how to know if it is on, how to bypass it, and much more.
What is Do Not Disturb Mode?
DND is a setting that silences all calls, alerts, and notifications when the phone is locked or in use. With this mode, you can enjoy any activity uninterrupted by your phone. DND mode is beneficial whenever you need some personal time, need to complete work or avoid distractions.
The main functions of ‘Do Not Disturb’ include:
- Silencing Notifications: When enabled, incoming calls or notifications do not make sounds, vibrate, or light up the screen.
- Customizable Settings: The user can set exceptions for specific people or for certain groups of contacts from which calls will not be silenced, even when ‘Do Not Disturb’ is active. For example, calls from specific customers or repeated calls ( in case of emergency).
- Scheduled Activation: You can schedule ‘Do Not Disturb’ to turn on and off within a certain period, like during night hours or meetings.
- Focus Modes: In iOS 15 and later versions, ‘Do Not Disturb’ integrates with Focus modes, even more customizable control of notifications depending on the user’s activity.
How to Bypass Do Not Disturb Mode (Calling Someone on Do Not Disturb)
If you’re trying to figure out how to call someone on DND, it can be challenging. However, urgent situations demand quick attention. Below are practical methods if you’re wondering how to bypass DND mode:
1. Call Again Within a Few Minutes
Most phones treat back-to-back calls as potential emergencies. Suppose your first call goes to voicemail; redial immediately, as many devices will let the second call ring through. This repeat call feature is designed for urgent situations, overriding the DND after consecutive attempts.
2. Add Your Number to Their Favorites or Emergency Contacts
If you’re a frequent contact (like a family member or coworker), ask to be added to their Favorites or Emergency Bypass list. On iPhones, this lets your calls/texts ignore DND entirely. For Android users, enabling Priority status for your number in their settings does the trick. J
3. Use Third-Party Apps for Urgent Calls
Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook Messenger use internet-based calls that bypass traditional carrier settings. Since these ring as app notifications (not regular calls), they often slip past DND restrictions. Enable Priority or Urgent alerts in the app’s settings for extra urgency. Even better: VoIP services like Zoom or Skype may show persistent alerts until answered, increasing visibility.
4. Send A Message Before Calling
A quick text like “Calling you urgently—please check your phone!” can prompt them to disable DND temporarily. Repeated text messages from the same number trigger notifications on some devices, even in silent mode. If they’ve marked you as a VIP or favorite contact, your texts might bypass DND automatically. Pair this with a follow-up call for the best results.
Special Methods for Emergency Situations
Getting a hold of someone immediately can be crucial in a crisis. Thankfully, both iPhone and Android have built-in special methods for emergency conditions. These methods are last-resort solutions for extreme cases like medical emergencies, accidents, or immediate danger. They require careful use to avoid violating trust but work when time is critical.
1. Using “Emergency Bypass” on iPhone
Emergency bypass is a special feature that phones have incorporated in their Do Not Disturb features. Even in “Do Not Disturb” mode, you can still receive critical calls and messages with this feature.
Emergency Bypass allows calls to go through if important contacts attempt to call you. You can choose the individual whose calls could be urgent, such as relatives, friends, or office peers.
It’s a convenient way to avoid distracting phone calls and receive important calls simultaneously.
How To Activate Emergency Bypass:
- Step 1: Launch the Contacts app and choose the person you want
- Step 2: Tap Edit in the top right corner
- Step 3: Select Ringtone or Text Tone
- Step 4: Turn on Emergency Bypass (a red icon with a bell)
- Step 5: Save Changes
2. Setting Priority Contacts on Android
Within the DND mode on Android, there is a feature where you can enable “Priority Only” notifications. You can determine what gets priority (e.g., a person calling twice in 15 minutes). It is an easy means of staying connected during emergencies.
Steps To Set Priority Contacts On Android:
- Step 1: Swipe to Settings and click on Sound & Vibration
- Step 2: Click on Do Not Disturb and select People
- Step 3: Under Calls or Messages, add your priority contacts
3. Calling from a Different Number
Call from an alternate number, as the recipient might have blocked your number. This will help you confirm if there’s a general problem with the person’s phone or just your number. Borrow a friend’s phone, make a landline call, or attempt internet calling.
How To Detect If Someone Is in Do Not Disturb Mode?
While you can’t definitively confirm DND mode without access to their device, subtle patterns and visual cues can hint at it. Below are some methods to:
1. Visual Indicators of DND Mode
A. Checking For The Moon Icon (iPhone)
iPhones display a small crescent moon symbol when DND is active. This icon appears in two key places, making it easy to spot if you know where to look.
Key Checks:
- Status Bar: Glance at the top-right corner of the screen. A moon next to the battery or Wi-Fi icon means DND is on.
- Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right edge. If the moon icon is highlighted, DND is enabled.
You won’t see these indicators if their phone is locked, face-down, or in their pocket. iPhones also show a “Do Not Disturb” banner on the lock screen, which disappears once unlocked.
B. Looking For A Screen Alert or Status Bar Notification
Android devices vary by brand, but most use similar visual cues to signal DND.
Samsung: Swipe down the notification panel. Look for Do Not Disturb or Priority Only option and confirm it’s active.
Google Pixel: Look in the status bar for a moon icon, or swipe down twice to see Do Not Disturb in Quick Settings.
Stock Android: Go to Settings > Sound > Do Not Disturb. If enabled, a notification will appear in the status bar.
However, custom themes or launchers might hide these icons. Some Android versions rebrand DND as Focus Mode or Downtime.
2. Calling Tests to Detect DND
A. Performing a Call Test
How their phone reacts to your call can reveal DND. Call one, let the phone ring, and listen for the below:
– iPhone: Rings briefly (half a ring) before voicemail.
– Android: Cuts to voicemail after 1-2 rings or plays a “busy” tone.
If their phone is off, calls go straight to voicemail without ringing. DND allows a short ring first. Airplane Mode behaves similarly but also blocks texts from delivering.
B. Trying a Second Call Within 3 Minutes
Most smartphones treat repeat calls as emergencies.
Here’s how to test:
- Let the phone ring once, then hang up.
- Wait 2-3 Minutes to avoid seeming pushy.
- Call again
- If it rings longer or they answer, they likely have DND on.
If both calls go to voicemail instantly, the other party may have blocked you, or their phone is off. Repeated calls can be annoying, so use this only for urgent situations.
: How to Call a Blocked Number On iOS and Android?Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a way to override DND settings?
Yes, you can bypass DND settings to avoid missing important calls. Enable Emergency Bypass (iPhone) or mark your number as a Priority Contact (Android) to ensure calls ring through. Repeated calls (2-3 attempts) may also override DND, as phones often treat them as urgent. For non-emergencies, use apps like WhatsApp—their notifications sometimes slip past DND if the crescent moon icon is active.
2. How do I make a phone call go through Do Not Disturb?
To push a call through DND, ask the recipient to add you to their Emergency Bypass list (iPhone) or Priority Contacts (Android).
3. How do you get through iPhone Do Not Disturb?
On iPhones, enable Emergency Bypass in their Contacts app: Go to your contact entry > Ringtone/Text Tone > toggle Emergency Bypass. This mutes the crescent moon icon’s effect for your calls. Alternatively, call twice quickly. iPhones let repeat calls override DND.
4. How do I enable emergency bypass on my phone?
You may quickly enable emergency bypass for your Android via the following steps:
- Step 1: Launch Settings on your device.
- Step 2: Go to Sound & Vibration.
- Step 3: Choose Do Not Disturb.
- Step 4: Turn the switch for Priority Mode.
- Step 5: Select the contacts you desire to permit through DND by including them in your favorites.
Updated : March 17, 2025
Jainy Patel is a content strategist having 8+ years of industry experience. Her expertise lies in developing marketing and content strategies for different VoIP solutions. Jainy is committed to helping companies streamline their communication and improve customer engagement with personalized & targeted content.
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